Machine for coating confections



May 12, 1953 E. J. OTKEN 2,638,071

MACHINE FOR comm; CONFECTIONS Filed Nov. 10, 1948 4 Sheets-Sheet l May 12, 1953 E. J. OTKEN I MACHINE FOR COATING CONFECTIONS Filed Nov. 10, 1948 4 Sheets-Sheet 2 INVENTOR. ,W

May 12, 1953 E. J. OTKEN MACHINE FOR COATING CONFECTlONS 4 Sheets-Sheet 5 Filed Nov. 10, 1948 INVENTOR.

anew BY May 12, 1953 E. J. OTKEN MACHINE FOR COATING CONFECTIONS 4 Sheets-Sheet 4 Filed Nov. 10, 1948 F l Li INVENTOR.

Patented May 12, 1953 li IACHINE FOR COATING CONFECTIONS Edwin J. Otken, New York, N. Y., assignor to Good Humor Corporation, Brooklyn, N. Y., a

corporation Application Novcniber ll), 1948,, Serial No, 59,315

(01. ire-c4) as Claims. 1

Customary manufacturing processes involve utilizing multiple molds to form a number (two dozen, for example) of the coinpl fection units during the congealing or ireezing operation. When this operation is complev stick gripping device by which the sticks centered and held in the mold pockets for t series of complete units, each composed of a frozen confection body and stick, from the mold.

' According to the practice of invention, as soon as the frozen confection units are taken f om the mold, they are dipped, as usual, in a r or liquid adhering material to coat them in. with. the latter. multiple stick and confection holder or gripper, the frozen units are emplaced in a drum contain-- ing the granular surface materials with which the confection bodies are to be coated. The drum is rotatable and equipped with an opening to receive the frame of the mul iple confection holder so that the confection bodies extend zontally into the drum, parallel with the a the latter. The drum, o quantity of granular or powderedv coating mate rial, sufficient f or many coating operations, is then caused to revolve b actuation "cm a suit is motor, whereby certain blades in the drum raise and drop such coating material on the adhesive coated confection bodies so that the material adheres thereto.

Dependenton the nature of th v ular materials to he applied, as the cute coating of the confection bodies, the drum is rotated, once the motor is started. manually, for a predetermined number of revolutions, automatically stopped. Thereupon, the confection and holding device, which engages the sticks of the confections, is removed from its position on the drum, bodily displacing the confection units from the drum, ready to he Wrapped, packed in cartons, and stored under refrigerating conditions, preliminary to sale.

A special feature of invention lies in provisions of my machine whereby the position at Then While still held in the which the drum is stopped on completing the coating action is also predetermined such that, at the time of stopping, the usually rectangular frozen bodies of the frozen confection units will be inclined at an angle to the vertical so that the coating materials finally lifted and dropped on these bodies will be free to gravitate over the bodiesandin the spaces therel'ietwe'en to the bottom of the drum; otherwise such materials might lodge on the bodies and adhere in a manner preventing coating action of the materials in uniform thickness or layer form upon the confection units, most essential to a commercial product.

Still another special object of my invention has been to produce a movement of the coating materials, lifted and dropped on the" sides of the frozen confection bodies during rotation of the drum, by mechanical deflection, in a direction axially of the drum as they, or certain portions thereof, gravitate from the upper portion of the drum blades, thus to ensure that the ends of the confection bodies will be contacted by and adherently coated with said materials, as well as the sides of the bodies' Another object of my invention is to produce a comparatively simple machine or apparatus to carry out my invention above set forth, and including certain mechanical features generally previously mentioned.

1 illustrate in the accompanying drawings a preferred type of machine for carrying out my invention as hereinbefore set forth, but I Wish it to be understood, that I am not restricted to the use of a machine" of the precise detail construction that is laterdescribed, as shown in said drawings, since other types of machines may be readily utilized to perform, the method operation which forms one ofthe essential phases of my invention.

In the accompanying drawings:

Figure l is a perspective View showing coating machine in association with a dipping tank and illustrating the confection unit gripping and holding device in a position in which it is supported just previous to being mounted in the receiving opening of the drum in which position it holds the confection units with the frozen oodles thereof projecting into the internal drum area, as seen bestin Figure 3.

Figure 2 is a view in front elevation showing primarily the drum as it is supported on the stand of the machine with the confection holder comprising the multiple confection gripping and supporting device arranged in the opening of the drum and supported by the latter as when the drum is being rotated for the coating operation.

Figure 3 is a view showing my machine in side elevation, illustrating the coating drum instrumentalities in section and showing the approximate disposition of the confection supporting or gripping device as mounted on the drum during its rotative movement.

Figure 4 is a vertical sectional view taken through the drum at right angles to its axis, bringing out the arrangement of the lifting blades or plates for the coating material in the drum and looking at the drum toward its open end.

Figure 5 is a View in elevation looking toward the inner side of the inner end member or plate of the drum and bringing out more clearly the mounting of the deflector plates at opposite sides of the axis member carried by said plate, the axis member being shown in dotted lines.

Figure 6 is a sectional view taken about on the line 6-5 of Figure 5 and bringing out somewhat more clearly the angular disposition of the deflecting plates previously referred to.

Figure '7 is an enlarged detail view showing the cam actuator in its position of engagement with the plunger of the limit switch in drum stopping position.

Figure 8 is a circuit diagram showing the motor, the limit switch, and the cam actuator there- ,for, in relation to the electrical instrumentalities for controlling operation of the same in an exemplary manner.

Figure 9 is a view diagrammatically illustrating the condition of the motor control circuit as when cam actuator actuates the limit switch in stopped position of the coating drum and setting switch 44 has been actuated to energize the setting relay.

Figure 10 is a View similar to Figure 9, but showing the condition of the circuits as when the start switch has been actuated subsequent to actuation of the setting switch, causing the motor to be started, and resetting the time delay relay.

Figure 11 is a similar view but showing the condition of the circuits as when the time delay relay has been de-energized after the predetermined time interval, with the motor continuing to operate for the remaining portion of the revolution of the cam actuator.

Figure 12 is a similar view showing the condition of the circuits as when the time delay relay, having been lie-energized, the cam actuator engages the plunger of the limit switch, stopping the motor in predetermined position.

Figure 13 is a similar view illustrating the condition of the circuits as when the stop switch was actuated during the operation of the motor.

' I first refer to Figure 1 of the drawing to give a general idea of the mechanical features of a machine and associated apparatus employed in carrying out my invention as above set forth.

There is provided, generally speaking, ,a suit able supporting stand A which at one'end carries the drip pan l near the upper portion thereof and which supports the rotating drum 2 which is a relatively shallow drum a to horizontal dimension and comparatively wide as to vertical dimension, as seen best in Figure 3, and the drum -2 is provided at its outer end with an opening 3,

from which opening there project into the drum, flanges 4 extending inwardly from the edge portions of the opening to provide bearing areas for supporting the confection gripping and supporting device (called a rack in the parlance of the 'art), which, in Figure 1 is generally designated at B and which may be of any suitable known construction. This device is equipped with suitable means to engage with the stems or stick portions or sticks of the confection units which comprise said sticks, designated 5, and the frozen confections are designated 6 in the drawings.

Confection units of the type above mentioned are quite well known in the art and may be of the construction illustrated in United State Patent of Harry B. Burt, No. 1,718,997, issued July 2, 1929. However, these confection units may be of different shape similar to those which are commonly on the market today known as ice cream or ice confections on sticks.

The confection unit supporting and gripping device B effectively clamps the confection units in supported relation thereon and includes generally a rectangular frame which is equipped with handles for the conveyance of the gripping device and clamping means for gripping action on the stems o1" sticks of the frozen confection bodies. as previously explained.

The closed end 1 of the drum 2 may be an end plate which is attached to the remaining body portion of the cum by suitable fastening screws or bolts 8, the object here bein to enable the drum body to be removed from the closing end plate 1 for purposes of cleaning and sanitation, as will be obvious.

At the central portion of the end plate l the drum 2 is provided with a bearing member 9 which receives and is secured fixedly to the driving shaft l0, see Figure 3, which driving shaft extends from a reduction gear unit ll'operated by a motor l2 and mount-ed with the motor on the top of the stand A. As seen in Figures 1 and 2 the motor I? is connected by a suitable conductor i3 with a starting switch 33 located on a suitable panel disposed any convenient place adjacent to the stand A of the machine.

Ordinarily the rotation of the drum 2 will be started manually by the switch 33, but the stopping of the drum 2 in discontinuing its rotation will be effected automatically by any suitable limit switch mounted on the stand A adjacent to the motor (2 and designated l5, said limit switch being connected by conductors in conduit It which leads downwardly therefrom along nortions of the stand A to the control box ll. Conductor conduit 13 which leads from the switch panel Ma extends directly to the control box H and a separate conductor conduit l8 leads from the control box I! to the motor I2.

The drum 2 is in part supported by the drive shaft IU of the unit HI2, and additionally supported at its periphery by means of suitable supporting rollers l9 which are carried by suitable brackets 20 attached to the stand A in any substantial manner.

On the inner face of the closing end plate 1 of the drum 2 there are mounted the deflector plates 2!, and, as seen in Figures 5 and 6, these deflector plates extend from their point of attachment 22 in an angular direction toward the center axis of the drum so that they may perform the deflecting function to be hereinafter set forth. On the inner peripheral portion of the drum 2 are provided radially and inwardly projecting lifting blades 23, and it will be apparent that as the drum 2 is rotated, these lifting blades are adapted to engage granular or powdered coating material employed in the drum through the opening 3 previously mentioned, so as to elevate this material while the dru is tinuously rotating and thereafter drop the mateconfection bodies.v 8' as the drum revolves.

5 rial by flowing of samev from the. blades onto 1%; course the blades -23 may be; of any s-ubstantial radial depth for efiectuating the function therethe holder B after being lifted out ofthemold are manipulated so as to dip the confection bodies 6 in an adhesive dip shown at C in a tank D located adjacent to my machine. After the confection units held in the holder B are so dipped, they are lifted and the adhesive material drained therefrom, whereupon they are bodily transferred to the drum 2 by the operator who grasps the handles 2'1 of the device B.

The confection units in their multiple arrange ment as seen in Figure 1, being placed in the drum 2 in the manner shown in Figure 3 by mounting the frame of the holder B in thefrarnelike structure provided by the flanges 4 that extend inwardly from the edges of the opening 3 in the drum, are ready now to be coated. It will be assumed that a suitable quantity of coating, granular or powdered material, has been previously placed in the drum 2 through the opening This quantity will be sufficient for many coating operations and may be replenished from time-to time as the coating is used up in the various coating operations. Being in position in the drum by the mounting of the holder B thereon as seen in Figure 3, the operator starts the rotation of the drum and confections by moving the starting; switch 14 on thepanel Ma. The drum now commences to rotate and will turn a predetermined number of revolutions as controlled by the limit switch 15 audit will then stop in a position such that the opening 3 is disposed at a vertical angle in the manner illustrated in Figure 1. Since the opening is rectangular and the holder B is rectangular,- obviously the holder B will be positioned t such :1

angle when the drum. stops automatically in the manner above described. Since the confection bodies are approximately rectangular, the-stopping of the drum .2 in the position just referred to will enable the last falling or gravitating coating material dropping off the blades 23 to pass over and by the confection bodies 6 due to the inclination of the latter, lodgment of such materials with unwanted packin of the'same on the confection, bodies being thus avoided, and uniformity of the thickness of the materials when coating the confection bodies being thus assured. after the machine. has operated to the point when the drum 2 automatically stops, the operator may promptly remove the holding device 28 from the drum 2 and thereupon, by actuating the clamping means on the rack or holder B to release the now completed stick confection units. the latter may be displaced from the holder B and are ready to be wrapped, packed in cartons, and stored under refrigerating condition preliminary to sale thereof.

Of course, during the gravitative movement of the coating material in the drum 2 while the confection units are disposed therein-as shown in Figure 3, the deflecting blades" 21 deflect certain portions of such materials toward the inner ends of, the confection bodies 6 and make sure that these portions of the bodies will be coated.

If'itis desired to change the elevation of the stand A to dispose the drum Zat a slightly up- Wardly angle toward its outer end, somethingjnot required to be done ordinarily, adjustable foot members 25 on the left. hand leg of the stand A, seen. in Figure 3, may be vertically extended to ivesuch inclination. The foot members 25 are held in place by bolt connections 26 passing through slot. formations as seen in Figure 3. In the control box 17 are provided a suitable auxiliary relay, magnetic switch, and electronic timer including. a tube and potentiometer for purposes of electrically controlled operations of the machine.

These features may be conventional such devices now obtainable, and are included in the electrical circuit with the motor and switch features set forth.

As one eircmplification of suitable means for effectingv rotation o the drum 2 apredetermined number of times then stopping said'drum 2 in av predetermined position means of the limit switch I5, I illustrate in Figure 7 a suitablecam actuator lilo for the limit switch l5, and inFigure 8 1 illustrate suitable electrical circuit means for controlling the motor it through the switch #5 and for timing the operation of the drum 2 to cause a predate mined number of revolutions thereof.

As seen in Figure F, the drive shaft 1 it to which the drum 2 is fixed has fixed thereto a cam member 160; fixed to rotate with the'shaft'l El and engageabie once during each revolution of the shaft it with the plunger the of the automatic limit switch is, engagement of the cam the with the plung. r (5d serving to open switch IE to break the circuit to the motor it for stopping the latter, under certain. conditions.

In. Figure 3 the circuit arrangement for the switch in conjunction with the motor 12 and suitable circuit closing relay devices and a time delay relay deiice is diagrammatically illustrated. The electrical apparatus illustrated in Figure. 8, as employed in conjunction with the cam operating member lilo and motor 12, there diagrammatically shown, may largely be contained inthe control box i7.

Electrical circuits illustrated in Figure 8 primarily consist of a setting relay generally designated by the letter E, a time delay relay generally designated by F, and a motor control relay generally desig rated G. The setting relay E con- Sists, of the lay 33 having contacts and 32, and the function of this relay is to condition electric circuit for motor l 2 for operation subject to tie operation of the time delay relay F the electronic circuit for which is shown in the lower part. of Figure 8.. Power for operating the motor !12 is supplied from a source of; alternating current. through lines 55, and 5?. The electronic circuit of the time delay relay includes the V acuumtube 3t and the relay 35. The vacuum tube m; be of a type known as 665. Power for cperatzon of the electronic circuit be supplied from a 230 volt source of alternating current: through lines 5 3: and ti. The electronic time delay relay circuit normallyjfunctions to energize the relay 3%? to cause switch 35;; to open. Switch 35c closes upon the de-energ-iza-tion of relay 35.

Since the cam Illa always stops over the plunger Isa of limit switch I as shown in Figure '7, to open said switch I5, the motor control relay circuit G is normally open across terminals 36 and 31 by the time delay relay, and relay 35, normally energized, holds switch 35a open, maintaining the motor circuit open across the termi nals 33 and 3? until de-energization of relay 35 permitting switch 35a to close.

With the foregoing in mind the operation of the electric circuit will now be described, having reference particularly to Figure 8 and also to Figures 9 to 13, in which latter figures the operation of the various portions of the circuits are diagrammatically illustrated by heavy lines indicating portions of the motor circuit closed upon actuation of one or the other of the switches It, 33, and 48 on the control panel Ida shown at the right in each of the latter figures, the particular ones of these switches which have been actuated under the various conditions illustrated being indicated also by heavy lines.

Upon actuation of said switch I4 to close the :same, relay becomes energized to close contacts 3i and 32 as illustrated in Figure 9. The motor circuit still remains open across terminals and 37 due to the fact that the cam Illa has stopped over plunger I5a of switch I", and due to the fact that relay 33 is energized, holding switch 35c open. Set switch I i having been first closed as above mentioned, the start switch 33 is now pressed to open the same, and this sets the time delay relay by charging capacitor 39 to the polarity indicated in Figure 8 and to the peak voltage. the cathode of tube 34, across to the grid of said tube, and through the capacitor 39, to the slider of potentiometer 30, and thence to the supply line 5!, during the half cycles that line 3i is plus with respect to line 55. Tube 3 operates as a simple rectifier during this time with the grid acting as the anode.

Since there is no flow of current across to the plate of tube 34 at this time, relay 35 is not energized, and this allows switch 35a to close and com- Figure 10. The motor is now operating to turn the drum 2 and the motor circuit is maintained closed across terminals 36 and 3'? due to the closing of switch 35a. Under this condition, the turning of drum 2 and its shaft Hi causes rotation of the cam Illa, opening switch I5 once in each revolution of the drum 2 by engagement of the cam lilo with the plunger Ida of the switch I5. The opening and closing of switch I5 under this condition, however, does not break the motor circuit.

The start switch 33 needs only to be pressed momentarily to open the same to cause de-energization of the solenoid 35 for starting of the motor. Releasing of the start switch 33 permits the latter to resume its closed condition, allowing capacitor 39 to discharge through resistance 38, and after a definite time which is controlled by the setting of potentiometer 4|], a circuit will be established from line 5| through switch 33, to the cathode of tube 34, and thence to the plate of tube 34 through relay coil 35, and back to line 50. Relay 35, now being energized, opens switch 35a. This phase of the operation is illustrated by Figure 11. The motor control circuit remains closed through limit switch I5 during the re The flow of current is from line to maining part of the revolution of the drum shaft Iii until cam ma next contacts plunger I5a of limit switch I5, as shown in Figures 7 and 12. The motor control relay circuit E will then be open through both limit switch I5 and time delay switch 35a. Relay M will thus be de-energized, allowingcontacts i2, 53, and M to open, stopping the motor and; de-energizing the solenoid of the spring loaded brake it which will thereupon stop the drum 2 in the position shown in Figure 1.

Relays l5 and il are overload relays in the motor circuit. Capacitor 45 is in the time delay circuit to supply current'to relay coil 35 durin the half cycles that tube 3 3 is not passing current. Transforming winding 52 supplies current to the filament of tube 33.

In the event of a mishap during any part of the cycle of operation, the motor may be stopped by pressing stop switch 33 which will de-energize relay 33, opening contact 32 which will in turn open the motor control relay circuit G. This operation is illustrated by Figure 13.

It will be understood that the length of the coating cycle of rotation of the drum 2, as predetermined by the setting of the potentiometer it, may be varied by changing the potentiometer setting so that the relay 35 will remain de-energized for a longer or shorter period during which the drum 2 will rotate a predetermined desired number of revolutions. In the normal operation, as above described, when relay 35 is energized at the end of the coating cycle, the drum 2 will always stop in the predetermined position, iliustrated in Figure l, in which the opening 3 is disposed at an angle to the vertical such that the rectangular confection bodies 6 are inclined so that coating material dropping off the blades 23 on to the bodies 3 will gravitate over the same into the spaces therebetween to the bottom of the drum. The stopping of the drum in the predetermined position is due to operation of the limit switch it when cam I00; engages plunger 15a after energizing of relay 35 to open switch 35a to stop motor 52 by cutting off current thereto and simultaneous application of brake 15.

The confection gripping and supporting device referred to hereinbefore as generally designated at B in Figure 1, and shown also in Figure 3, and as being of any suitable known construction, is that of the known construction of Anderson Patent No. 2,232,196, issued February 18, 1941.

, Having thus described my invention, what I claim as new and. desire to secure by Letters Patent of the United States, is:

1. A machine for coating confection bodies comprising a stand, a drum, thereon, means for rotating the drum, devices in the drum to engage coating material at the lowermost portion of the drum and elevate and spill said material gravitatingly from the upper portion of the drum, and a holder detachably mounted on the drum to rotate therewith and having means for supporting confection bodies in the drum in the path of downward spilling movement of the coating material.

2. A machine as claimed in claim 1, in which the drum has mounting means supporting the holder centrally thereon and the holder comprises a stick gripping device for engaging stick handles embedded in the confection bodies coatingly treated in the drum.

3, A machine as claimed in claim 1, in which the holder comprises a stick gripping device for engaging stick handles embedded in the confection bodies coatingly treated in the drum, saidsweeten drum being provided with a confection body introducing opening in a side thereof, and the gripping device being constructed to close said opening while holding the confection bodies during the drum rotating operation.

4. A machine as claimed in claim 1, in which the holder comprises a stick gripping device for engaging stick handles embedded in the confes tion bodies coatingly treated in the drum, said drum being provided with a confection body in troducing opening in a side thereof, and the gripping device being constructed to close said opening while holding the confection bodies during the drum rotating operation, the drum opening having edge flanges protruding into the drum, and the holder comprises a frame of the same shape as the drum opening and sea-table in -the drum opening in contact with the outer faces of the opening edge flanges.

5. A machine as claimed in claim 1, in which the drum rotating means comprises a motor, and automatic control mechanism for said motor 00- acting to quickly stop theinotor after a predetermined number of revolutions.

6. A machine as claimed in claim l, in' which the drum rotating comprises a motor,- and automatic control mechanism tor said motor coacting to stop the motor and drum rotation with the spaced confection bodies positioned so that the eo'athig material may freely gravitate downwardly past the said bodies, whereby to prevent piling of so; material on the bodies with nonuniform tlr knees layering An ap aratus for covering, With a coating of solid particles, frozenconfect'ions and the like having stems extending therefrom, comprising a rack, a rotatable drum, and a motor corineeted'to the drain; the said rack having gripping means for releasably holding said stems with the confeetien portions disposed forwardly of the rack; the said drum having a peripheral wall and two end walls, one of said end walls cohta'iningan aperture, theperiphe'ral wall having a plurality of spaced inwardly extending shelves disposed o-ng surface thereof; the rack being 7 y coi'inecte'd to the end Wall ha e Mg the aperture with said gripping means adjacent and substantial registry with said aperture,- whereby the confections extend through the aperture and are disposed within the drum.

8. An apparatus according to claim- 7, further provided with a quick-acting brake operatively connected to the drum, whereby a sudden oper at-ive application of the brakewill cause a star page of d'ru-ms' rotation and a shaking ofl (if-ex cess' coatnig material deposited on the confections during the operation of the apparatus. W

9. An apparatus according to claim 7, thesald peripheral wall of the drum being cylindrical, the said shelves being circumferentially spaced upon the inner surface of the cylindrical wall and extending inwardly substantially radially.

' to. An apparatus according to claim '7, the said shelves extending longitudinally between said end walls and substantially parallel to the axis of the drum. 7

11. An apparatus according to claim Z, the end: wall opposite the said apertured' wall of the drum being connected to the motor, and a brake operatively associated with the motor.

12. In an apparatus for covering, with a coating of solid particles, confections and the like having stems, extending therefrom, a a rotatable drum for coating the material, and a motor connected to the drum; thesaid rack having gripping means for releasably holding said stems with the confection portions disposed on one side of said gripping means, the drum having an aperture in a wall thereof, the rack being detachably connected to the drum with the gripping means adjacent and in registry with said aperture, whereby the confections extend into the drum. i

13. In an apparatus for covering, with a coating of solid particles, confections and the like having stems extending therefrom, a rack for holding said stems with confection portions disposed on one side thereof, a rotatable drum for the coating material, and a motor connected to the drum; the drum having a peripheral wall and a plurality of spaced inwardly extending shelves disposed along the inner surface of the peripheral wall; the drum being further provided with apertured portion, the rack being attached to the drum adjacent said apertured portion, whereby the stems operatively supported by the rack will extend through the apertured portion and the confection portions will be disposed within the drum.

14. In an apparatus for covering with a coating of solid particles, a roup of confections and the like, a rotatable container for the coating material, means for mounting the confections in fixed mutual relation within the container,- and means for rotating the container and group of confections as a unit, whereby the coating Ina terial within the container will be deposited upon the confections.

15. In an apparatus for covering, with a coating of solid particles, a group of confections and the like, the combination according to claim 14, further provided with a quick-acting brake operatively connected to the container, whereby a sudden operative application of the brake will cause stoppage of the containers rotation and a shaking oiT of excess coating material deposited on the confections during the operation of the apparatus.-

16. In an'apparatus for covering, with a c'o'a -t ing of solid particles, a group of confections and the like, a rotatable container for the coating material, means for mounting the confections within the container, and means for rotating the container and group of confections as a unit, whereby the coating material within the container will be deposited upon the confections;

l7. In an apparatus for covering, with a coat ingof solid particles, a group of confections and the like, a movable contai-nfl' for the coating material 'a support on the container for mou'riting the confections within the container, and meansformoving said container and said group of confections as anti-it,- whereby the coating material will be deposited upon the confections.

18, A machine for coating confection bodies of. ice cream. confections, or the like, comprising a support, a drum mounted on the support to rotate about a relatively horizontal axis, means to rotate said drum, devices in the drum to engage coating material at the lowermost portion of the drum and elevate and spill said material gravitating'ly from the upper portion ofthe a holder for supporting confection bodies inthe path of the downwardly spilling movement of the coating material, and timing mechanism coacting with the said rotating means to stop the rotation of the drum after a predetermined number of revolutions thereof.-

-l9.-A machine for coating confection bodies of ice cream confections or the like, comprisihg a rotatable holder for supporting confection bodies in the path of flow of downwardly spilling coating material, power operated means to spill coating material downwardly on the confection bodies carried by the holder and simultaneously impart rotation to the holder, and automatic means including timing mechanism operative to predetermine the period of operation of said power operated meansgand the number of revc lutions of said holder, said timing mechanism coacting with said rotating means to stop the rotation of the holder automatically at the end of said period after said predetermined number of revolutions of the holder,

20. A machine for coating confection bodies of ice cream confections or the like, comprising a rotatable holder for supporting confection bodies in the path of flow of downwardly spilling coating material, power operated means to spill coating material downwardly on the confection bodies carried by the holder and simultaneousl; impart rotation to the holder, and automatic means including timing mechanism operative to predetermine the period of operation of said power operated means and the number of revolutions of the holder, an actuating instrumentality associated with said rotating means for rotation therewith, and stopping means controlled by the timing mechanism and coacting with said instrumentality to stop rotation of said confection holder automatically at the end of said period after said predetermined number of revolutions of the holder.

21. A machine for coating confection bodies of ice cream confections or the like, comprising a rotatable holder for supporting confection bodies in the path of flow of downwardly spilling coat ing material, power operated means to spill coating material downwardly on the confection bodies carried by the holder and simultaneously impart rotation to the holder, and automatic means including timing mechanism operative to predetermine the period of operation of said power operated means and the number of revolutions of the holder, an actuating instrumentality associated with said rotating means for rotation therewith, and stopping means including a power cut-off device for said power means controlled by said timing mechanism and operable by said instrumentality, said stopping means coacting with said rotating means to stop rotation of the confection holder automatically at the end of said period after said predetermined number of revolutions of the holder.

22. A machine for coating confection bodies of ice cream confections or the like, comprising a rotatable holder for supporting confection bodies in the path of flow of downwardly spilling coating material, power operated means to spill coating material downwardly on the confection bodies carried by the holder and simultaneously impart rotation to the holder, and automatic means including an instrumentality associated with said rotating means for rotation therewith and located in a predetermined position with respect to said confection holder, and stopping means including a power cut-off device operable by said instrumentality and coacting with said power operated means to discontinue its operation and stop rotation of the confection holder automatically in a predetermined position.

23. A machine for coating confection bodies of ice cream confections or the like, comprising a rotatable holder for supporting confection bodies in the path of flow of downwardly spilling coattiming mechanism and coacting with said instrumentality to stop rotation of said drum and holding material, power operated means to spill coating material downwardly on the confection bodies carried by the holder and simultaneously impart rotation to the holder, automatic means including timing mechanism, an instrumentality associated with said rotating means for rotation therewith and located in a predetermined position with respect to said confection holder, and stopping means including a power cut-off device for said power means controlled by said timing mechanism and operable by said instrumentality, said stopping means coasting with said rotating means to stop rotation of said confection holder automatically in a predetermined position after a predetermined number of revolutions of the holder.

24. A machine for coating confection bodies of ice cream confections or the like, comprising a rotatable holder for supporting confection bodies in the path of flow of downwardly spilling coating material, power operated means to spill coating material downwardly on the confection bodies carried by the holder and simultaneously impart rotation to the holder, a starting device operable to initiate operation of said power operated means, and automatic means including timing mechanism connected with said starting device, said timing mechanism being operative to determine the period of a predetermined number of revolutions of the confection holder, said starting device being operative to initiate operation of said timing mechanism simultaneously with initiation of the operation of said power operated means, and a power cut-off device controlled by the timing mechanism and coacting with the power operated means to stop rotation of the confection holder at the end of said period of predetermined number of revolutions of the holder.

25. A machine for coating confection bodies of ice cream confections, or the like, comprising a support, a drum mounted on the support to rotate about a relatively horizontal axis, means to rotate said drum, devices in the drum to engage coating material and elevate and spill said material gravitatingly from the upper portion of the drum, a holder mounted on the drum for supporting confection bodies in the path of the downwardly spilling movement of the coating material, and automatic means including timing mechanism operative to determine the period of a predetermined number of revolutions of the drum, and instrumentalities controlled by the timing mechanism and coacting with the rotating means to stop rotation of the drum automatically at the end of said period of predetermined number of revolutions of the drum.

26. A machine for coating confection bodies of ice cream confections, or the like, comprising a support, a drum mounted on the support to rotate about a relatively horizontal axis, means to,

rotate said drum, devices in the drum to engage coating material at the lowermost portion of the drum and elevate and spill said material gravitatingly from the upper portion of the drum, a holder on the drum to rotate therewith for supporting confection bodies in the path of the downwardly spilling movement of the coating material, and automatic means including timing mechanism operative to determine the period of a predetermined number of revolutions of the drum and holder, an actuating instrumentality associated with said rotating means for rotation therewith, and stoppingmeans controlled by said i3 er automatically at the end of said period of predetermined number or revolutions thereof.

27. A machine for coating confection bodies of ice cream confections, or the like, comprising a support, a drum mounted on the support to retate about a relatively horizontal axis, means to rotate said drum, devices in the drum to engage coating ater'ial and elevate and spill said niaterial gravitatingly from the upper portion of the drum, holder mounted or:- the drum for scpperil; conicctlo'n bodies in the path of the downwardly spilling" movement of the coating material, a starting device operable to initiate opera-Lon of said rotatin means, and automatic means including timing mechanism operative to determine the period of a predetermined number of revolutions of said drum and connected with said starting device, said starting device being operative to initiate operation of said timing mechanism simeltaneo'usiy with initation of operaton or said rotating means, and a power-cuton device controlled by said timing mechanism and coasting with said rotating means to stop rotation of the orum at the end of said period of predetermined number of revolutions of the drum. 1

support, dr um mounted on the support to rotate about a relatively horizontal axis, means to ro 1 and elevate spill said inatcrial giravii iiciv from the upper portion of a hold can-led by the drum for supper confection bodies in the path of the downwardly spillin mov ment of the coating material, and automatic means including timing mechaniszn operative to determine the period of a predetermined nuzr "er of revolutions of holder, an instrument associated with said rotating means for rotation therewith, and stopping means including a power cut-off device controlled by said and operable b said instrumenta 't'y; said stopping ine ns coasting with said means to stop rotation of the drum at the end of said period of predetermined numoi revolutions oi the drum.

29. A machine for coating confection bodies of ice cream confections, or the comprising a support, drum mounted on the support to rotate about a relatively horizontal axis, means to rotate said drum, devices in the drum to engage coating material and elevate and spill said ina-- terial gravitatingly from the upper portion of the drum, a holder on the drum for supporting confection bodies in the path of the downwardly spilling movement of the coating material, said rotating means including an electric motor, an 'lectric circuit and a sourc of electric energy connected to said motor, a stopping brake for said rotating means controlled by said circuit, and control means including timing mechanism operative to determine the period of a predetermined number of revolutions of the drum, a cam member associated with said rotating means for rotation therewith, and a limit switch in said circuit controlled by said timing means and operable by said cam member to discontinue current flow to said motor 5 "d operate said brake to stop rotation of said drum at the end of said period of predetermined number of revolutions thereof.

30. A machine for coating confection bodies of ice cream confections, or the like, comprising a support, a drum mounted on the support to rotate about a relatively horizontal axis, means to rotate said devicc'sizi the; dftimto engage coating inateri-ai the-r elevate and spill said material gravitating'ly in the drum, a'holder rota-tive with the drum tor supporting confection bodies in the path of the downwardly spillin movement of the coating material, and automaticmeans including an instrumentality associated with said rotating means for rotation therewith and located in a predetermined position with respect to said confection holder, and stopping means coacting with said instrumentality to stop rotation of said drum automatically with the confection holder disposed in a predetermined position.

A machine for coating confectionbodies of ice cream czmtections, or the like, comprising a support, drum mounted on the support to rotate about a relatively horizontal axis, vpower operah means to rotate said drum, devices in the drum to engage coating material andelevate and spill said material gravitatingly in the drum, n hold-er rotative with the drum tor supportingconfection bodies in the path of the downwardly 3l11illg movement of the coating aterial, and automatic means including an instrumentality associated with said power operating means for rotation therewith and located in a predetermined position with respect to said confection holder, and stopping means including a power cut-onsicvice for said power operating meansepeitable by said instrumentality andcoacting with said power operating means to stop rotation of said drum automatically with the confection holder in a predetermined position. r

32, A machine for coating confection bodies of ice cream confections, or the like, comprising a support, adrum mounted on the supporttoirota'te about a relatively horizontal axis, means to rotate said drum, devices in the drum to engage coating material in the drum and elevate and spill said material gravitatingly from the upper portion of the drum,- a holder on the drum for supporting confection bodies in the path or the downwardly spilling movement of the coating material, said rotating means including an electric motor, an electric circuit, and a source of electric energy connected to said motor, a stopping brake for said rotating means controlled by said circuit, and control means for the motor including-a cam member assoc ted with said rotatingmeans for rotation therewith and located in a predetermined position with respect to said confection holder, and a limit switch in said circuit operable by said cam member to discontinue current flow to said motor and to operate said brake to stop rotation of the drum with the confection holder in a predetermined position,

33. A machine as claimed in claim 25, com bined with means to vary the action of the timing mechanism to thereby vary the period and number of revolutions of the drum.

34. A machine for coating confection bodies of ice cream confections, or the like, comprising a support, -a drum mounted on the support to rotate about a relatively horizontal axis, power operated means to rotate said drum, devices in the drum to engage coating material in the drum and elevate and spill said material gravitatingly therein, a holder on the drum for supporting confection bodies in the path of the downwardly spilling movement of the coating material, and control means including timing mechanism operative to determine the period of a predetermined number of revolutions of said drum, an instrumentality associated with said power answer operated means for rotation therewith and located :in a predetermined position with respect to said confection holder, and stopping means including a power cut-off device controlled by said timing mechanism and operable by said instrumentality, said stopping means coacting with said power operated means to stop rotation of said drum automatically with the confection holder in a predetermined position at the end of said period after said predetermined number of revolutions of said drum.

35. Amachine for coating confection bodies of ice cream confections, or the like, comprising a support, a drum mounted on the support to rotate about a relatively horizontal axis, means to rotate said drum, devices in the drum to engage coating material and elevate and spill said material gravitatin'gly from the upper portion of the drum, a holder mounted to rotate with the drum for supporting confection bodies in the path of the downwardly spilling movement of the coating material, said rotating means including an electric motor connected to the drum, an electric circuit and a source of electric energy connected to said motor, a stopping brake for said rotating means controlled by said circuit, and control means including timing mechanism operative to determine the period of a predetermined number of revolutions of said drum, a cam member associated with said drum for rotation therewith, and a limit switch in said circuit controlled by said timingmechanism and operable by said'cam member to discontinue current flow to said motor and operate said brake to stop rotation of the drum with'the confection holder in a predetermined position at the end of said period of said predetermined number of revolutions of the drum.

36. A machine for coating confection bodies ofice cream confections, or the like, comprising a support, a drum mounted on the support to rotate about a relatively horizontal axis, means to rotate said drum, devices in the drum to engage coating material at the lowermost portion of the drum and elevate and spill said material gravitatingly from the upper portion of the drum, a holder for supporting confection bodies in the path of the downwardly spilling movement of the coating material, and instrumentalities on the interior portion of the drum to deflect the gravitating material therein in the direction ofthe axis of the drum against the inner ends of the confections.

37. A machine for coating confection bodies of ice cream confections, or the like, comprising a support, a drum mounted on the support to rotate about a relatively horizontal axis, means to rotate said drum, devices in the drum to engage coating material at the lowermost portion of the drum and elevate and spill said material gravitatingly from the upper portion of the drum, a holder for supporting confection bodies in the path of the downwardly spilling movement of the coating material, means for supporting the holder on one end of the drum, and inclined deflecting plates on the other end of the drum prcjecting therefrom for deflecting the gravitating material therein axially of the drum for application to ends of the confection bodies.

38. A machine for coating confection bodies of ice cream confections, or the like, comprising a support, a drum mounted on the support to rotate about a relatively horizontal axis, means to rotate said drum, devices in the drum to engage coating material at the lowermost portion of the drum and elevate and spill said material gravitatingly from the upper portion of the drum, a holder for supporting confection bodies in the path of the downwardly spilling movement of the coating material, means for supporting the holder on one end of the drum, and deflecting plates attached to the other end of the drum and projecting therefrom on opposite sides of the axis of the drum to deflect the gravitating coating material therein axially of the drum against ends of the confection bodies carried by the holder.

EDWIN J. OTKEN.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS Number Name Date 128,729 Hyatt et a1 July 9, 1872 309,243 Patch Dec. 16, 1884 889,553 Seckford Jan. 2, 1908' 1,611,756 Leigh Dec. 21, 1926 1,876,224 Harding Sept. 6, 1932 1,908,539 Quick May 9, 1933 2,138,297 Ekert et a1. Nov. 29, 1938 2,248,643 Rassmusson July 8, 1941' 

